Management of Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Agents in Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Prevention of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Managing gastrointestinal bleeding in patients using antithrombotic agents remains challenging in clinical practice. This review article provides a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to managing acute antithrombotic-related gastrointestinal bleeding, focusing on the triage of patients, appropriate resuscitation, and timely endoscopy. The latest clinical practice guidelines are highlighted to guide decisions concerning the use of reversal agents, temporary interruption, and resumption of antithrombotic drugs. Additionally, preventive measures are discussed to lower the risk of future bleeding and minimize complications among patients prescribed antithrombotic drugs.

The influence of anastomotic techniques on postoperative anastomotic complications: Results of the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit

BACKGROUND

The optimal anastomotic techniques in esophagectomy to minimize rates of anastomotic leakage and conduit necrosis are not known. The aim of this study was to assess whether the anastomotic technique was associated with anastomotic failure after esophagectomy in the international Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit cohort.

METHODS

This prospective observational multicenter cohort study included patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer over 9 months during 2018. The primary exposure was the anastomotic technique, classified as handsewn, linear stapled, or circular stapled. The primary outcome was anastomotic failure, namely a composite of anastomotic leakage and conduit necrosis, as defined by the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify the association between anastomotic techniques and anastomotic failure, after adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 2238 esophagectomies, the anastomosis was handsewn in 27.1%, linear stapled in 21.0%, and circular stapled in 51.9%. Anastomotic techniques differed significantly by the anastomosis sites (P < .001), with the majority of neck anastomoses being handsewn (69.9%), whereas most chest anastomoses were stapled (66.3% circular stapled and 19.3% linear stapled). Rates of anastomotic failure differed significantly among the anastomotic techniques (P < .001), from 19.3% in handsewn anastomoses, to 14.0% in linear stapled anastomoses, and 12.1% in circular stapled anastomoses. This effect remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors on multivariable analysis, with an odds ratio of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.46-0.86; P = .004) for circular stapled versus handsewn anastomosis. However, subgroup analysis by anastomosis site suggested that this effect was predominantly present in neck anastomoses, with anastomotic failure rates of 23.2% versus 14.6% versus 5.9% for handsewn versus linear stapled anastomoses versus circular stapled neck anastomoses, compared with 13.7% versus 13.8% versus 12.2% for chest anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Handsewn anastomoses appear to be independently associated with higher rates of anastomotic failure compared with stapled anastomoses. However, this effect seems to be largely confined to neck anastomoses, with minimal differences between techniques observed for chest anastomoses. Further research into standardization of anastomotic approach and techniques may further improve outcomes.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

Background

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

Methods

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

Results

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter ‘no major postoperative complication’ had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P &lt; 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

Conclusion

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

RESULTS

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter 'no major postoperative complication' had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P < 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P < 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

CONCLUSION

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Severe isolated mitral stenosis: are we facing different phenotypes?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Rheumatic mitral valve stenosis (MS) causes progressive left atrial (LA) fibrosis and functional impairment, pulmonary artery systolic hypertension and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction.

Purpose

The aim of the study was the evaluate the different characteristics between high gradients (HG) and low gradient (LG) MS and, within the LG group those with high (LG-HF) or low flow (LG-LF). Moreover, we wanted to evaluate if there was any difference in overall complications and atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence.

Methods

A total of 147 patients with isolated severe MS were retrospectively enrolled from the institutional echo database.  Echocardiograms were read offline and clinical information were obtained from patients` records. Patients were divided into a group with HG (31 patients, mean MS gradient &gt; 10 mmHg) and LG (116 patients, mean MS gradient ≤ 10 mmHg). The group of LG was then divided in low flow (Stroke volume index (SVi) ≤ 35 ml/m2, LF-LG: 68 patients) and in high flow (SVi &gt; 35 ml/m2, HF-LG: 48 patients).

Results

The HG group was younger, although the difference did not reach statistical significance, higher percent of males (45% M vs 22% F, p = 0.02), higher heart rate (HR), left atrial volume, higher tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TVR) and derived pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), RV fractional area changes (RV FAC) but similar RV longitudinal contraction. Moreover, the HG group had more severe MS calculated according to PHT.  The group of LG was divided according to SVi:  LF-LG group compare to HG-MS had higher percent of females (45% F vs 13% M, p &lt; 0.001), similar AF (43% vs 32%, p = ns) and pre surgical complications (19% vs 16%, p = ns). LF-LG group had smaller LA systolic volume (117 ± 51 51 ml vs 148.6 ± 38 ml, p &lt; 0.0001), lower LV-S` (5.3 ± 1.4 vs 6 ± 1.6 cm/s, p = 0.004), lower TRV (2.47 ± 0.5 vs 3.24 ± 0.7 m/s, p &lt; 0.0001), higher TAPSE/PASP (0.64 ± 0.3  vs 0.45 ± 0.29, p &lt; 0.001), lower RV S` (9.79 ± 2.01m/s vs 11.25 ± 3.1 m/s, p = 0.01), higher RVFAC (38.5 ± 9.6% vs 30.9 ± 9.2%, p = 0.0005). The group of LG-LF had also less severe MS (1.3 ± 0.6 cm2 vs 1.15 ± 0.3 cm2, p &lt; 0.01).

Conclusion

Patients with HG MS were those with worst left ventricular involvement, higher PASP and lower RV function. The LF-LG MS were older, and more females were included and even though they had smaller LA, lower values of PASP they had significantly higher percent of AF and similar pre surgical complications.  It could be speculated that LF-LG severe MS patients could be a different phenotype of the disease.

Stuck mechanical valve complication in non-COVID-19 patients during COVID-19 pandemic: single center experience

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Stuck valve is a very rare and severe complication that occurs in mechanical valve replacement patients with ineffective anticoagulation. However, with COVID-19 restriction measures, it became challenging to regularly assess INR to make sure it falls within the target therapeutic range to prevent this complication.

Purpose

We wanted to explore how did the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions impacted mechanical valve replacement patients on chronic anticoagulation and the long-term consequences of limiting their access to health service.

Methods

We present a series of 10 patients on warfarin anticoagulation therapy who either underwent transthoracic echocardiography for a suspected stuck valve or were seen at the outpatient valve clinic with the residual consequences of a stuck valve during the COVID-19 restriction measures in our institute.

Results

Eight patients were female, two of whom were pregnant at the first trimester and eventually went on to receive an abortion; six patients received urgent valve replacement cardiac surgery; four patients were managed medically e.g. with heparin; none had thrombolytic therapy. Stuck prosthetic valves incident has increased significantly during this period, particularly those in the mitral position for which urgent replacement and prolonged hospitalization including intensive care admission, with high in-hospital mortality rates and high costs were necessary. Mean hospital admission time was 27.5 ± 18.5 days.  The cost of treatment, as average estimated reimbursement, was 11,000 USD for medical admission only, and 43,200 USD when surgery was required, up to 64,000 USD when ECMO was part of patient management.

Conclusion

Despite governments’ efforts to implement telemedicine and virtual clinics, COVID-19 restrictions and health-messaging affected the routine follow-up of non-COVID-19 patients. We report dramatic consequences to this drastic change in healthcare: clinical complications, lost lives and inflated healthcare costs in patients with a prosthetic valve. We believe that non-COVID-19 patients have paid, and will continue to pay in the future, a price that is much greater than those patients who have suffered from COVID-19. Active engagement of patients should be implemented in a time of emergencies, and further studies should address the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of public policies aimed to decrease the burden of avoidable complications and missed diagnoses. Abstract Figure. Fluoroscopy in a 70 years old patient

Postoperative outcomes in oesophagectomy with trainee involvement

BACKGROUND

The complexity of oesophageal surgery and the significant risk of morbidity necessitates that oesophagectomy is predominantly performed by a consultant surgeon, or a senior trainee under their supervision. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of trainee involvement in oesophagectomy on postoperative outcomes in an international multicentre setting.

METHODS

Data from the multicentre Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Study Group (OGAA) cohort study were analysed, which comprised prospectively collected data from patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April 2018 and December 2018. Procedures were grouped by the level of trainee involvement, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare patient outcomes across groups.

RESULTS

Of 2232 oesophagectomies from 137 centres in 41 countries, trainees were involved in 29.1 per cent of them (n = 650), performing only the abdominal phase in 230, only the chest and/or neck phases in 130, and all phases in 315 procedures. For procedures with a chest anastomosis, those with trainee involvement had similar 90-day mortality, complication and reoperation rates to consultant-performed oesophagectomies (P = 0.451, P = 0.318, and P = 0.382, respectively), while anastomotic leak rates were significantly lower in the trainee groups (P = 0.030). Procedures with a neck anastomosis had equivalent complication, anastomotic leak, and reoperation rates (P = 0.150, P = 0.430, and P = 0.632, respectively) in trainee-involved versus consultant-performed oesophagectomies, with significantly lower 90-day mortality in the trainee groups (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Trainee involvement was not found to be associated with significantly inferior postoperative outcomes for selected patients undergoing oesophagectomy. The results support continued supervised trainee involvement in oesophageal cancer surgery.

Mortality from esophagectomy for esophageal cancer across low, middle, and high-income countries: An international cohort study

BACKGROUND

No evidence currently exists characterising global outcomes following major cancer surgery, including esophageal cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise impact of high income countries (HIC) versus low and middle income countries (LMIC) on the outcomes following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

METHOD

This international multi-center prospective study across 137 hospitals in 41 countries included patients who underwent an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, with 90-day follow-up. The main explanatory variable was country income, defined according to the World Bank Data classification. The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative mortality, and secondary outcomes were composite leaks (anastomotic leak or conduit necrosis) and major complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade III - V). Multivariable generalized estimating equation models were used to produce adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95%).

RESULTS

Between April 2018 to December 2018, 2247 patients were included. Patients from HIC were more significantly older, with higher ASA grade, and more advanced tumors. Patients from LMIC had almost three-fold increase in 90-day mortality, compared to HIC (9.4% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, LMIC were independently associated with higher 90-day mortality (OR: 2.31, CI95%: 1.17-4.55, p = 0.015). However, LMIC were not independently associated with higher rates of anastomotic leaks (OR: 1.06, CI95%: 0.57-1.99, p = 0.9) or major complications (OR: 0.85, CI95%: 0.54-1.32, p = 0.5), compared to HIC.

CONCLUSION

Resections in LMIC were independently associated with higher 90-day postoperative mortality, likely reflecting a failure to rescue of these patients following esophagectomy, despite similar composite anastomotic leaks and major complication rates to HIC. These findings warrant further research, to identify potential issues and solutions to improve global outcomes following esophagectomy for cancer.

Comparison of short-term outcomes from the International Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA), the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG), and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA)

BACKGROUND

The Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA) have set standards in reporting outcomes after oesophagectomy. Reporting outcomes from selected high-volume centres or centralized national cancer programmes may not, however, be reflective of the true global prevalence of complications. This study aimed to compare complication rates after oesophagectomy from these existing sources with those of an unselected international cohort from the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA).

METHODS

The OGAA was a prospective multicentre cohort study coordinated by the West Midlands Research Collaborative, and included patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April and December 2018, with 90 days of follow-up.

RESULTS

The OGAA study included 2247 oesophagectomies across 137 hospitals in 41 countries. Comparisons with the ECCG and DUCA found differences in baseline demographics between the three cohorts, including age, ASA grade, and rates of chronic pulmonary disease. The OGAA had the lowest rates of neoadjuvant treatment (OGAA 75.1 per cent, ECCG 78.9 per cent, DUCA 93.5 per cent; P < 0.001). DUCA exhibited the highest rates of minimally invasive surgery (OGAA 57.2 per cent, ECCG 47.9 per cent, DUCA 85.8 per cent; P < 0.001). Overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts (OGAA 63.6 per cent, ECCG 59.0 per cent, DUCA 62.2 per cent), with no statistically significant difference in Clavien-Dindo grades (P = 0.752). However, a significant difference in 30-day mortality was observed, with DUCA reporting the lowest rate (OGAA 3.2 per cent, ECCG 2.4 per cent, DUCA 1.7 per cent; P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Despite differences in rates of co-morbidities, oncological treatment strategies, and access to minimal-access surgery, overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts.

Retrograde Pancreatic Duct Stent Migration into the Biliary Tract Presenting as a Rare Early Complication of Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple Procedure)

BACKGROUND Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) is an established surgical procedure for the treatment of carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Modifications to this procedure include gastropancreaticoduodenectomy, which includes the removal of parts of the pancreas, duodenum, and stomach. Complications of surgery include fistula formation, failure of the anastomosis, and leak of pancreatic enzymes, which can be reduced by stenting the pancreatic duct. This report is of a rare complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy and describes a case of retrograde migration of a pancreatic duct stent into the biliary tract through the orifice of the hepaticojejunostomy. CASE REPORT A 50-year-old man with a history of gastric cancer, underwent gastropancreaticoduodenectomy. Surgery was complicated by displacement of the pancreatic stent to the biliary system, which resulted in postoperative obstructive jaundice and bile leakage from the hepaticojejunostomy between the hepatic duct and the jejunum. An endoscopy was performed and the stent was successfully retrieved. The patient recovered rapidly, the bile leakage resolved, the patient's jaundice resolved, and was discharged home with no further surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS A case is reported of a rare early complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy in a patient with gastric cancer. Endoscopy successfully retrieved the pancreatic duct stent that had migrated into the biliary tract through the orifice of the hepaticojejunostomy.

Use of endoscopy in the management of postoperative ureterovaginal fistula

The aim of the study was to evaluate endourological techniques in the management of iatrogenic ureterovaginal fistula. Seventeen patients referred to us after gynecologic surgery were diagnosed as having iatrogenic ureterovaginal fistula. First, retrograde double-J stenting was tried. If this failed, percutaneous nephrostomy using an antegrade double-J stent was performed. If this also failed, open surgical repair was performed. The retrograde double-J stent bypassed the fistula in 2 patients (11.8%). Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed in the remaining 15. The antegrade double-J stent bypassed the fistula in another 2 of these patients (11.8%). Open surgical repair was performed in the remaining 13 patients (67.5%) (direct ureteroneocystostomy) with nipple valve in 11 patients and Boari flap with psoas hitch in 2 patients). Of all patients, 2 had ureteral stricture, one after antegrade double-J stenting and the other after open repair. It was concluded that early intervention is recommended in the treatment of iatrogenic uretrovaginal fistula, causing minimal morbidity and discomfort, and being less expensive.